I’m a wellness editor and these are the things I never board a plane without

I’m a big sleeper, and one thing that has the potential to totally ruin my holiday is not being able to get enough shut-eye. You never know whether the curtains in your hotel bedroom are enough to block out that early morning light, so packing a sleep mask is essential in making sure you get all the sleep you need to be up and at ‘em the next day. I’m totally addicted to my Drowsy sleep mask – it doesn’t allow any light at all in, and the silky material and thick padding makes it so comfortable, I feel like I could fall asleep anywhere when I wear it. It’s particularly good for long-haul flights, too.

Speaking of long-haul flights, Loop earplugs have changed the game. Whether it’s crying babies, excited chitterchatter or just the noise of the engine, this small but mighty gadget goes a long way in helping drown out excess noise and help you get some sleep. They’re also great if you’re feeling a bit overstimulated and want to have a quiet moment or two to yourself.

I’ve always had problem skin, and suncream has always been a sure-fire way to cause a breakout. But the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen changed the game for me. It’s consistency is more like a primer than a suncream, so it goes on really smoothly and doesn’t feel greasy or pore-clogging. I use it every day as part of my morning skincare routine, so I’d never not take this on holiday with me, too. My only complaint is that I wish they did an SPF50 version.

This one is quite niche, and I’ll admit it’s not the most flattering thing to wear, but I promise you it’s worth it. I have long brown hair that gets knotty so quickly, takes forever to wash and dry, plus I have a lot of frizz that I simply cannot tame no matter how much product I use. This bonnet might not solve all of those issues, but it’s hand-on-heart one of my favourite buys of 2025. It stops breakage, which causes even more frizz and hinders hair growth, and it also manages to keep styled hair looking relatively intact the next day (or definitely more intact than my previous tactic – scraping it all back into a messy, knotted bun). Some hotel pillows are super soft and certain hotels even offer silk pillowcases which are a great alternative, but I still bring this with me on most trips just in case, since it’s such a reliable way to avoid having to re-style my hair every day.

This is a product that I don’t take on all trips, but if I’m spending upwards of three or four hours on a plane then it’s a really soothing way to hydrate and soften lips while you’re watching a movie. It’s water-based, so it doesn’t feel too heavy and smells amazing. It also makes your lips look and feel more plump, so if you’re heading straight out to explore after your flight lands, or if you’re going out for a day and want to minimise how much you carry around with you, it means you can leave your balm and lipstick at home.

This is a relatively new product for me, but I’m already obsessed. It works by using tiny electric currents to contract and relax muscles, toning, lifting and rejuvenating the face. I was quite sceptical but after only a few uses I’m a convert – it depuffs tired eyes, sculpts cheekbones and jawline, and makes me look much more well rested. It’s really small so can slip into hand luggage, and is a great way to waken up your skin and reduce puffiness after a flight, or give yourself a well-deserved self care facial while you’re away. The more you use it, the better it works, so I’ll be taking this with me on any trips so I don’t slip out of my routine and continue to see the benefits.

I don’t necessarily take this on all my holidays, but it’s particularly good for long-haul flights. Airplanes are so drying and my skin feels so gross after a long flight, so this is a great way to lock in moisture and keep my skin feeling hydrated and prepped for make-up once I’ve got to my destination. I also pack it if I’m going somewhere cold and need extra moisturising after my skin’s been blasted with icy winds and frosty temperatures.

I’ve always been a nervous flier – I get claustrophobic, I hate unexpected movement and I also get travel sick very easily. Planes are just a combination of all of these things, so it has the potential to really ruin the start of my holiday if I arrive feeling shaky and queasy. My partner is a pilot and he’s managed to soothe most of my anxieties, but there’s a deep-set association with the smells and feelings of being on a plane that my inner psyche can’t seem to shake. This roll-on therapy from Aesop smells amazing – a mix of ginger, lavender and geranium – and it immediately soothes my nerves and helps me settle in for the flight.

I’m a real sun worshipper, but I’ve learnt to be very careful with my skin when it comes to sunbathing. I use tan drops religiously, every morning along with other serums (vitamin C and niacinamide, if you care). I have a few that I like to use, but the Tan Luxe one is always a safe bet. It goes on really nicely, doesn’t have a bad smell and it just the right tone for my skin. I also love the Tan Luxe water for a refreshing spritz before heading out for the day on holiday, it gives a really lovely glow and doesn’t feel sticky on your skin.

This is another one for long-haul flights. For me, it will always be comfort over everything. I’m a big airport slob – you’ll most likely see me curled up in a window seat wearing baggy trousers and a hoodie, hiding behind my sleep mask. But when I do need to get up to stretch my legs or go to the loo, these are my go-to airplane shoe. They’re so comfy, slip on really easily, and they somehow manage to make a full tracksuit outfit look somewhat less scruffy (or so I like to tell myself).

Another excellent hack for immediately making you look more awake and refreshed for your holiday. This Beauty Pie product is so good at disappearing dark circles – a few dabs of this and you’ll look (and feel) ready for the day. It’s a tiny pot so it can easily be popped into hand bags for a day out, and it’s so subtle that it doesn’t really feel like you’re wearing make up.